Sour Blood is the musical project of Kevin Gleeson, a theatre artist and musician from Tipperary, Ireland. Known for his unique sonic language and emotive compositions, Gleeson debuted Sour Blood in 2019 and has since captivated audiences with his innovative soundscapes. Suas, Sour Blood’s debut album, showcases Gleeson’s talent for blending rich orchestration with introspective grandeur.
Sour Blood, the enigmatic musical project led by Tipperary-born theatre artist and musician Kevin Gleeson, is proud to announce the release of their debut album, Suas. This eight-part symphonic swell of nocturnal balladry drifts eloquently across glacial fronts of rich orchestration and introspective grandeur, marking a remarkable feat in both musical composition and sound design.
Suas, is a fascinating broadcast of songwriting wonder, repeatedly unveiling the complex sonic beauty within. The music of Sour Blood moves in lucid expressions, tender fault lines upon distinct waking and dreaming realities, showcasing Gleeson’s ability to craft beautiful incantations that resonate deeply with listeners.
Kevin Gleeson debuted Sour Blood in 2019 with a sold-out show at the Dublin Dance Festival, quickly establishing himself as a noteworthy artist in the music scene. His 2021 debut EP, Good Nevers, introduced four tracks that explored his unique sonic language, influenced by a rich tapestry of sounds and a talent for sculpting stirring structures of song.
Written and recorded between Gothenburg and Dublin from 2022 to 2023, Suas, is a monumental development in both breadth and ability for Sour Blood. The album was created in collaboration with Brendan Jenkinson (Villagers, Aoife Nessa Francis, John Francis Flynn), and its wintery warmth hues the sonic palette, enhancing the pastoral complexities within. The songs ambitiously expand beyond nearer horizons, with Gleeson’s vocal versatility bringing a joyous depth to each track.
Highlights of, Suas, include the forlorn R&B-inflected boom bap of “Mysterious Creature” and the piano-led warble of “Bruise,” where Gleeson’s vocals take centre stage. In other tracks, such as “The Devil” and “Clot,” his voice is filtered and manipulated through reed-filled atmospheres, harmonizing with the instrumentals in euphoric glee. The album concludes with “Overgrowing,” a haunting piece featuring strums of acoustic guitar and faint organs, providing a surreal finale of open-ended conclusions.
Suas, is a complex wonder of musicality, positioning Sour Blood as a gifted artist of great worth in both practice and output. The album is a testament to Gleeson’s artistic vision and his ability to create music that is both introspective and grandiose.
Suas, is available on all major streaming platforms.
